Manager Profile: Alex Neil
After starting last season as a player/manager for Hamilton Academicals against Arbroath in front of 730 people, who would’ve thought Alex Neil was to end his season in front of just over 85,000 people at Wembley Stadium, and guide Norwich City into the Premier League at the first time of asking? The Scotsman joined The Canaries in January after Neil Adams resigned from his position and what a job he has done. Let’s take a look at Norwich’s manager.
Born in Scotland, Neil started his footballing career with Airdrieonians in 1999. His short spell there, saw him make 16 appearances and the next year, he joined Barnsley. During his four years at the club, Neil made 121 appearances scoring 4 goals at Oakwell. He joined Mansfield in 2004, and in his one season he played 41 games scoring once. 2005, saw Neil join Hamilton Academical, where he spent 10 years at the club, both playing and managing. In his playing career, he has played alongside Everton’s James McCarthy and Crystal Palace’s James McArthur. A fan favourite with the Accies, Alex Neil was known for his aggressiveness and passion for the club.
Neil was appointed player/manager of Hamilton in April 2013 on an interim basis, before being made permanent the next month, aged 31. In his first season as manager at New Douglas Park, he led the Accies to the Scottish Premiership through the play-offs, something he would experience again come 2015, to the Premier League.
After nearly two successful seasons as manager with Hamilton, Norwich gained permission to speak to Neil and he was confirmed as their new manager aged 33. After an outstanding set of results he guided Norwich from 11th to a 3rd place finish and revitalised their season after it looked like it was all going downhill. In the 25 games he managed for the Canaries, Alex Neil had a win percentage of 56.84%, losing only three games.
In May, he guided Norwich through a tricky play-off semi-final leg against rivals Ipswich Town, in the Old Farm derby which was played 4 times last season. He led The Canaries to a 4-2 win over both legs, and won Norwich a place in the play-off final against Middlesbrough. This was Norwich’s first visit to the new Wembley, and superbly saw off Boro as they won 2-0, earning them a place in the Premier League this upcoming season.
Aged 33, Alex Neil has achieved some what people could say the unthinkable. His impressive career has gained lots of media attention and Norwich fans are calling him their own Sir Alex. His determination to get Norwich back into the Premier League was rewarded and Alex Neil was awarded with a long-term contract last month. Who knows what more he could achieve in the future? His next target: keep Norwich in the Premier League.
His confidence and professional attitude is vital for Norwich, in their bid to avoid the drop and Neil has made a fantastic signing in Youssouf Mulumbu from West Brom, and Graham Dorrans joining him too. Relegated Hull man Robbie Brady looks to be on his way to Carrow Road too, with Norwich having made five bids at this point.
Alex Neil could well be Sir Alex; if he continues to perform wonders with The Canaries, that is.